Is Elden Ring really better than Dark Souls?

So, is Elden Ring better than Dark Souls? A loaded question, but I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into both franchises, and I’d lean towards Elden Ring. It’s not just a bigger Dark Souls; it’s a refinement. The open world is the key. While Dark Souls 3 felt like a greatest hits compilation, a streamlined, almost *too* efficient version of the formula, Elden Ring truly shines in its sense of discovery. The interconnectedness of its regions, the sheer variety of landscapes, and the rewarding feeling of organically stumbling upon hidden areas – that’s where it excels.

Dark Souls 3, in comparison, felt… cramped. Despite its impressive boss roster, many areas feel rushed and lacking the same organic exploration that made Dark Souls 1 so captivating. It’s almost like they tried to fit the scope of Dark Souls 1‘s world into a smaller package, resulting in less memorable environments. Remember those frustrating backtracking sections in DS3? Elden Ring largely avoids that trap, offering multiple routes and approaches to progress. It’s a much more forgiving, yet still challenging, exploration loop.

The combat, too, benefits from this open-world design. The freedom to explore means you encounter a wider variety of enemies and challenges before any major boss fights, allowing you to experiment with builds and strategies. This contrasts with Dark Souls 3 where the linear structure funnels you into specific builds often dictated by the bosses you’re facing. Elden Ring gives you more agency, more freedom to create your own perfect playstyle. It’s that balance of exploration and rewarding combat that truly sets it apart. The open world isn’t just filler; it’s an integral part of the game’s design, enhancing the core gameplay loop.

In short: Elden Ring masterfully balances exploration and combat in a way that Dark Souls 3, while still a great game, simply doesn’t match. The sheer scale and design of the open world create a more engaging and ultimately more rewarding experience.

Who is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s boss roster is notoriously brutal, but some stand above the rest. While individual player skill and build significantly impact difficulty, a consensus emerges regarding the toughest challenges. Malenia, Blade of Miquella, consistently reigns supreme, her devastating Waterfowl Dance and relentless aggression making her a truly formidable opponent. Her near-perfect poise and staggering healing on hit demand precise timing and flawless execution. Second place often goes to the dual-boss fight of Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. Radagon presents a frantic, high-damage phase requiring adaptability, followed by the Elden Beast’s magical onslaught and frustrating range. Maliketh, the Black Blade, secures a strong third-place position due to his punishing attacks and challenging arena. The Godskin Duo presents a unique test of coordination and patience, demanding strategic focus to overcome their combined power. Mohg, Lord of Blood, is notoriously difficult due to his powerful bleed build-up and area-of-effect attacks, while Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, and the Fire Giant pose significant threats demanding different approaches; Astel with his ranged attacks and the Fire Giant due to his enormous health pool and staggering attacks. Finally, Commander Niall, while challenging, generally sits lower on difficulty rankings due to his predictable attack patterns once learned.

Should I play Dark Souls in order?

Nah, screw that “chronological order” nonsense. Dark Souls 1? It’s clunky as hell, the level design’s a labyrinthine mess compared to later entries, and the combat feels…primitive. Starting there is masochism, pure and simple. Dark Souls 3 refines everything: the combat’s tighter, the level design is more intuitive (though still challenging!), and the lore, while convoluted as always, is more readily accessible. It’s the peak of the series mechanically, a better tutorial in the Souls-like experience.

Play DS3 first. Master its refined systems – weapon arts, the more forgiving (but still brutal) combat, the improved enemy placement. Once you’ve conquered that, tackle DS1. You’ll appreciate its innovations, even if you curse its archaic mechanics. You’ll also see the evolution of the lore and understand the callbacks and thematic links in a far more meaningful way. Think of it like this: DS3 is the honed blade, DS1 is the rusty sword – you wouldn’t start with the rusty one, would you?

Then, after DS1, tackle DS2. It’s…different. A sprawling mess of interconnected levels and some questionable design choices, but it has its own unique charm and expands the lore in fascinating, albeit convoluted, ways. Finally, Demon’s Souls (if you’re feeling truly hardcore), though it’s less refined than the other entries, it’s the ancestor, the genesis, and understanding its flaws and triumphs will give you a complete picture of FromSoftware’s evolution. That’s the optimal order for mastering the Souls-like challenge.

Is Elden Ring longer than DS3?

While the base game comparison of Elden Ring versus Dark Souls 3 playtime is subjective and depends heavily on player style, Elden Ring’s significantly larger open world undeniably contributes to a longer overall playthrough. Pre-DLC, both Bloodborne: The Old Hunters and Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City clocked in around 11 hours for 100% completion, representing substantial expansions. However, Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is projected to offer a dramatically extended experience, with estimates nearing 38 hours of gameplay. This indicates a content volume exceeding even the combined playtime of those previous major DLCs, significantly bolstering Elden Ring’s already impressive playtime compared to Dark Souls 3. The sheer scale of the new areas, potential boss encounters, and item acquisition suggests a considerable challenge and reward for completionists, significantly impacting total playtime metrics.

This disparity highlights FromSoftware’s evolving design philosophy. While Dark Souls 3 maintained a more focused, linear structure, even with its DLC, Elden Ring’s expansive design inherently allows for a much greater playtime variation, further emphasized by the projected length of its expansion. This shift towards open-world design impacts not just overall playtime, but also meta-strategies and build diversification in speedruns and high-level competitive play, opening avenues for entirely new strategies and records.

Is Elden Ring a copy of Dark Souls 3?

Nah, Elden Ring ain’t Dark Souls 3 part 2. While the core mechanics share a lineage – think refined Dark Souls 3 combat with a dash of Bloodborne fluidity – the setting, narrative, and lore are completely unique. We’re talking a massive open world, a different kind of interconnectedness compared to the more linear level design of Dark Souls 3. The storytelling is more environmental and fragmented, encouraging exploration and player discovery to piece together the lore. This isn’t just a reskin; it’s a significant evolution. Think of it like this: same engine, different game. The skill ceiling is also higher, demanding more strategic depth and build crafting than previous titles. You’re looking at a whole new beast, a deeper, more challenging experience. Expect more intricate boss fights too; the scale and complexity are bumped up considerably.

Did Elden Ring sell better than Dark Souls?

Elden Ring absolutely smashed Dark Souls’ sales. We’re talking a massive difference; Elden Ring’s over 28.6 million units sold now obliterates the entire Dark Souls franchise’s lifetime sales. That’s not just a win, it’s a knockout. The open world clearly resonated massively with players, expanding the FromSoftware fanbase exponentially. It’s a testament to the game’s quality and accessibility, even if it maintained that brutal FromSoftware difficulty. Consider this: Dark Souls 3, the most successful Dark Souls title individually, still sits considerably lower than Elden Ring’s current count. This isn’t just about better marketing; it’s a game that transcended the niche and became a mainstream phenomenon, showcasing the power of a well-executed open-world formula within the Soulslike genre.

What should I play first, Elden Ring or Dark Souls 3?

Elden Ring or Dark Souls 3 first? Neither. Start with Dark Souls 1 or Dark Souls 2. While they might seem daunting initially, their core mechanics are arguably more intuitive for newcomers to the Soulsborne genre than Dark Souls 3’s more refined, yet arguably less forgiving, combat. Dark Souls 3 significantly streamlines some systems, making certain nuances less apparent, which can hinder understanding of fundamental mechanics. The initial learning curve in DS1 or DS2 forces a deeper engagement with these fundamentals.

Playing Dark Souls 1 before Dark Souls 3 is crucial for appreciating the numerous lore and gameplay references throughout the third installment. DS3 acts as a culmination of the series, making prior experience with DS1’s world and characters significantly more rewarding. You’ll miss a wealth of context and subtle callbacks otherwise.

Dark Souls 2, while often considered the black sheep, offers a unique take on the formula, introducing innovative mechanics and a vast, interconnected world. While it’s not as narratively cohesive as the other entries, mastering its systems will strengthen your understanding of the series’ core combat and exploration principles. After DS1 or DS2, you’ll then be well-equipped to tackle the refined challenge of Dark Souls 3 and finally Elden Ring, appreciating the evolution of the genre’s design philosophies.

In short: DS1 or DS2 → DS3 → Elden Ring. This order maximizes your appreciation of the narrative and gameplay evolution within the Soulsborne universe. Ignoring this advice will likely lead to a less satisfying experience overall.

Is Elden Ring really worth it?

Elden Ring? Worth it? Let’s be real, that’s a laughable question. Of course it’s worth it. It’s not just worth it, it’s a masterpiece of punishing, rewarding, breathtakingly beautiful game design. Forget MSRP; I snagged a copy from a scalper on release day – worth every penny.

Don’t let the difficulty scare you. Yes, it’s brutally hard. You’ll die. A lot. But the feeling of finally conquering that boss after countless attempts? Pure, unadulterated euphoria. That feeling is amplified by the sheer scope of the game.

Here’s what makes it worth every ounce of your frustration:

Open World Mastery: Forget linear narratives. Explore at your own pace, uncover hidden secrets, and discover breathtaking vistas. The level design is unparalleled.
Challenging but Fair Combat: The learning curve is steep, but mastering the combat system feels incredibly rewarding. Every enemy is a puzzle to solve, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking.
Build Variety: The character customization is deep and robust, allowing you to create truly unique builds. Experiment, iterate, and dominate. My current playthrough is a faith-based bleed build, decimating everything in its path.
Rich Lore and Atmosphere: The cryptic storytelling demands exploration and piecing together the fragments of the world’s history. Its melancholic beauty is stunning.
Endgame Content: Even after you finish the main story, there’s mountains of content. New Game+ is brutal but satisfying, and PvP is a thriving, competitive scene.

Seriously, if you’re even remotely considering it, just buy it. If you can’t handle the difficulty, you are not a true gamer. Just kidding (mostly). But seriously, buy it. You won’t regret it.

Is Elden Ring inspired by Dark Souls?

Elden Ring, yeah? It’s basically Dark Souls but…bigger. Much, much bigger. FromSoftware took everything they learned from the Souls series, especially Dark Souls 3, and cranked it up to eleven. The core gameplay loop – exploration, challenging combat, cryptic lore – is all there, but refined. Think smoother combat, more build variety, and a genuinely open world.

However, some things remain…let’s call them “classic Dark Souls”.

Vague storytelling: If you’re expecting a hand-holding narrative, you’ll be disappointed. It’s still very much a “show, don’t tell” approach. You’ll piece together the story through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and cryptic NPC dialogue – if you even bother to find them.
Brutal difficulty: Don’t expect it to be easy. Bosses are still ridiculously tough, and even regular enemies can be deadly if you’re not careful. This is not a game for the faint of heart. Prepare to die…a lot.
Obscure mechanics: Some systems and mechanics are still a bit obtuse. You might find yourself spending hours online looking for answers, and that’s perfectly fine – it’s part of the experience for many players.

For new players coming from other action RPGs, these aspects might feel clunky or frustrating. But for Souls veterans, it’s a familiar comfort zone, expanded upon and improved. Think of it as Dark Souls 4…but better.

Think about it this way:

Improved: Open world exploration, combat fluidity, build crafting depth.
Retained: Challenging combat, cryptic storytelling, some potentially archaic UI/UX elements.

Will there be Elden Ring 2?

So, Elden Ring 2? Nah, FromSoftware’s officially stated they’re cooking up multiple things, but a direct sequel ain’t one of ’em. Huge bummer, I know. After Elden Ring’s insane global success – record-breaking sales, GOTY nominations galore – everyone expected a sequel to be announced immediately. It’s a smart move, though. They’re probably focusing on refining the formula, learning from what worked and didn’t, before jumping into a sequel. Think of it like a pro-gamer taking a strategic break after a major tournament victory; they’re not just going to jump into another event right away, they’re analyzing their gameplay, honing their skills, and strategizing for future success. Maybe they’ll do a DLC expansion first – that would be a safer bet before committing to a full-blown sequel. Or they’re working on something completely new and unexpected. The potential is insane, but patience is key. Expect Elden Ring 2 eventually, but don’t expect it any time soon. This isn’t a game, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Why did Elden Ring get so popular?

Elden Ring’s popularity? It’s a perfect storm. The open world isn’t just big; it’s densely packed with compelling lore. They masterfully blended various mythologies – Celtic, Norse, Greek, Slavic, even Japanese – creating a truly unique and immersive experience. This isn’t your typical fantasy setting; it’s a deep dive into a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

Think about it: the level design alone is a strategic masterpiece. The interconnectedness of the map, the hidden paths, the cleverly disguised secrets – it rewards exploration in a way few open-world games manage. This incentivizes players to spend countless hours uncovering its mysteries, boosting replayability.

Deep Lore & Worldbuilding: Not just surface-level storytelling; the game encourages digging for information, piecing together narratives from item descriptions, environmental details, and cryptic NPC interactions.
Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay: The difficulty is notoriously high, but mastering the combat system and overcoming challenging bosses provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. It’s a true test of skill that keeps players hooked.
Open World Design: The seamless transition between areas and the freedom to explore at your own pace encourages player agency and minimizes the feeling of linearity.
Character Building Depth: A wide range of builds and playstyles allows for high replayability. The build diversity isn’t just cosmetic; it profoundly impacts gameplay, creating numerous strategic options.

Beyond the obvious, FromSoftware leveraged the power of community engagement. The cryptic nature of the lore fueled intense discussions and theories online, transforming the game into a collaborative puzzle. This interactive element significantly amplified its popularity, driving organic content creation and attracting new players. It wasn’t just a game; it was a shared experience.

The difficulty, while a barrier to entry for some, acts as a strong filter. Those who persevere feel a profound sense of accomplishment, contributing to the game’s prestigious reputation.
The game’s art style, while not photorealistic, is incredibly atmospheric and memorable. It contributes to the game’s overall mystique and appeal.

Is Elden Ring hard for beginners?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is infamous, even for seasoned gamers. It’s not just hard; it’s designed to punish complacency and reward meticulous observation and adaptation. Forget hand-holding; this is a brutal dance of death where every mistake is brutally exploited. Beginners will face a steep learning curve, especially regarding boss fights which require exploiting weaknesses and mastering precise timing. Aggression is often rewarded, but reckless aggression is swiftly punished. Learning to read enemy tells, managing stamina effectively and understanding the importance of poise and its impact on combat is critical.

Unlike many games, Elden Ring’s difficulty isn’t just about raw stats. It’s about adapting your playstyle, experimenting with different builds, and learning the intricacies of its mechanics. Mastering spirit ashes, utilizing summons strategically, and exploiting environmental hazards are essential skills. Think of it less as a “win or lose” scenario and more as a series of intense duels where learning from your defeats is as important as achieving victory. Don’t be discouraged by death; it’s a teacher. The game isn’t trying to make you feel inadequate; it’s pushing you to become a better player.

Consider exploring different weapon arts and utilizing ashes of war to find a playstyle that fits your strengths. Experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to grind for levels and resources – it’s part of the journey. The game’s vastness also allows for many different approaches; find your own rhythm and exploit the tools at your disposal. Above all, persistence is key.

How long does it take to beat Elden Ring?

Sixty hours? That’s a rookie estimate for beating Elden Ring’s main story. Think of that as a speedrun, missing tons of the amazing lore and optional bosses. You’ll barely scratch the surface of the Lands Between. Expect closer to 80-100 hours if you want a genuinely fulfilling experience, exploring areas, finding hidden items, and engaging with the rich world.

Now, 134 hours for 100%? That’s more realistic for a completionist, though it’s highly variable. It depends heavily on your build, your playstyle (stealth archer vs. full-frontal melee), and how thoroughly you scour every nook and cranny. Many miss key items or important NPC storylines due to the game’s subtle cues.

Consider this: that 134-hour figure includes finding all Legendary Talismans and Ashes of War. It accounts for farming materials for optimal builds, mastering tough bosses through repeated attempts, and thoroughly exploring every single dungeon and catacomb, some of which are brutally challenging. Don’t underestimate the time sink of upgrading your weapons.

My advice? Don’t focus on completion percentages. Embrace the journey. Get lost. Die a lot. Learn. Adapt. That’s where the true Elden Ring experience lies. The numbers are just arbitrary goals. The real victory is becoming the Elden Lord on your own terms.

Will we ever get Dark Souls 4?

While fan hopes for a Dark Souls 4 remain high, the likelihood is slim. Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware’s president, stated in 2015 that Dark Souls III would probably be the final entry in the main series. This strategic decision reflected FromSoftware’s ambition to diversify its portfolio beyond the immensely successful, yet creatively demanding, Souls formula.

Several factors support this assessment:

Creative Burnout: Developing the Souls games demands significant time and resources. Pushing the boundaries of the established formula while maintaining the high quality expected by fans is a considerable challenge, potentially leading to creative burnout within the development team.
IP Diversification: FromSoftware’s success with Elden Ring, a game sharing the Souls DNA but existing within a unique IP, highlights their successful strategy of expanding their brand beyond a single franchise. This risk mitigation strategy lessens reliance on the continued success of the Dark Souls IP.
Resource Allocation: The development of a AAA title like Dark Souls requires substantial investment in time, personnel, and technology. FromSoftware’s resources are likely better allocated to new IPs and existing successful franchises, ensuring a broader and more stable revenue stream.

While a direct sequel is unlikely, the Souls-like genre continues to thrive. Elden Ring’s massive success showcases the enduring appeal of the gameplay mechanics and design philosophy pioneered by the Souls series. Instead of a numbered sequel, future FromSoftware titles will likely continue to incorporate elements that resonate with Souls fans while pushing creative boundaries in new and innovative directions.

Is Elden Ring the greatest game of all time?

Elden Ring’s Metacritic score speaks volumes: universal acclaim isn’t thrown around lightly. But beyond the numbers, what makes it a contender for greatest of all time? Its sprawling, interconnected world, brimming with secrets and breathtaking vistas, is a masterclass in open-world design. FromSoftware masterfully blends challenging, rewarding combat with a deeply atmospheric narrative, delivered subtly through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and cryptic NPC interactions. The sheer breadth of build variety, allowing for countless playstyles, adds incredible replayability. While its difficulty is legendary, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming a particularly brutal boss or navigating a treacherous area is unmatched. This isn’t just a game; it’s an experience, a journey demanding patience and rewarding persistence. Its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable, influencing countless titles that followed.

Key aspects fueling its “greatest of all time” conversation: Innovative open-world design; Deeply rewarding combat; Unparalleled build customization; Subtle yet impactful narrative; Immense replayability; Significant cultural impact.

Should I play Dark Souls 1 or 3 first?

The “Dark Souls 1 vs. 3” debate? Been there, done that, got the platinum trophies. Listen up, rookies. Some purists preach starting with the original; it’s the foundation, the blueprint. Sure, it’s historically significant, but let’s be real – it shows its age. Gameplay-wise, Dark Souls 3 is the superior entry point.

Dark Souls 1’s clunky controls and less refined combat mechanics can feel frustrating for newcomers already grappling with the brutal difficulty. Dark Souls 3 streamlined a lot of that, offering tighter combat, better enemy design (though still challenging!), and a more intuitive level design, even with its interconnectedness. Think of it like this: Dark Souls 1 is a classic fighting game from the arcade era, while Dark Souls 3 is a modern fighting game with refined mechanics. You’ll still get that core Souls experience, the gut-wrenching tension, but with significantly less initial friction.

Dark Souls 3 builds upon the lore and mechanics established in its predecessors, but it doesn’t require intimate knowledge of the previous games to enjoy it. Its story is more readily accessible to newcomers. Plus, after mastering Dark Souls 3, you’ll have a much better appreciation for the nuances of the first game, should you decide to go back. It’s like learning to play a fighting game on its easiest setting, then mastering the advanced techniques in the next iteration. Level up your experience, not your frustration.

Who is the least defeated boss in Elden Ring?

Placidusax’s low defeat rate isn’t just about him being optional; it’s a testament to his challenging design and obscure location. He’s a hidden boss tucked away in Crumbling Farum Azula, a late-game area many players might miss entirely, even those aiming for 100% completion. This contributes significantly to his low kill count. His moveset is brutally unforgiving, requiring precise timing and a deep understanding of Elden Ring’s combat mechanics. The fight demands high adaptability and a build capable of handling his devastating attacks. Unlike many other bosses, Placidusax lacks readily available strategies readily available online, making him a true test of skill and exploration. This exclusivity and difficulty, combined with his optional status, solidifies his position as one of the least-defeated bosses in the game. Finding him is half the battle.

Do people still play Elden Ring in 2025?

Yes, people still play Elden Ring in 2025, though the player base has naturally shrunk since launch. While the peak concurrent player count in January 2025 sits at 83,919, that’s still a significant number for a game of its age and difficulty. This indicates a dedicated and persistent community.

Why it’s still played:

High Replayability: Elden Ring’s open world and multiple builds offer immense replay value. Experimenting with different weapons, classes, and playstyles keeps the experience fresh.
Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay: The difficulty, while infamous, is precisely what draws many in. The feeling of overcoming a particularly brutal boss is incredibly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to summon help – co-op is a big part of the experience!
Rich Lore and World: George R.R. Martin’s involvement shaped a deep and intriguing world ripe for exploration and discovery. There’s always more to uncover.
Active Community: A strong community persists, offering help, advice, and shared discoveries through guides, forums, and online communities. Use these resources – they’re invaluable.

Tips for new players in 2025:

Explore thoroughly: Don’t rush. The open world is full of secrets and hidden areas.
Experiment with builds: Don’t be afraid to try different weapon types and playstyles. There’s no one “right” way to play.
Level up wisely: Focus on attributes that synergize with your chosen build.
Don’t be afraid to die (a lot): Death is a learning experience in Elden Ring.
Use the community: Guides, wikis, and online forums can help you overcome tough challenges.

Will I like Elden Ring if I hate Dark Souls 3?

Elden Ring’s a massive upgrade from Dark Souls 3 in terms of scope and open-world design. Think of it as Dark Souls 3’s ultimate evolution, a complete overhaul with a massive open world and more build variety. If you hated Dark Souls 3’s linearity and punishing difficulty, Elden Ring might still be a tough sell, but the open world gives you much more agency and lets you power level in various ways. Think of it like this: Dark Souls 3 was a highly competitive 1v1 arena; Elden Ring is a vast MOBA with many different playstyles and paths to victory.

However, if the core gameplay loop – challenging boss fights, precise combat, and intricate level design – was the issue, then Elden Ring likely won’t change your mind. The core combat remains similar; it’s polished, but the fundamental mechanics are the same. The sheer scale of the game doesn’t change that core. If the Soulsborne formula didn’t click for you in Dark Souls 3, chances are Elden Ring won’t be a game changer. It’s still a challenging and unforgiving experience.

Essentially, if you disliked the core gameplay of Dark Souls 3, Elden Ring’s expansive world won’t magically fix what you didn’t like. The open world is fantastic, but it’s still a Souls game at its heart. Consider watching some gameplay videos focusing on specific areas to determine if the changes are enough to overcome your previous negative experience.